Community Center Development and Flex Roads Were Main Issues at Fiscal Court

Sheriff James Vincent addresses Fiscal Court about need for another police vehicle.   PHOTO | Rrene Duvall

Lynn Bledsoe

Gimlet Managing Editor

On August 25, 2025, the Fiscal Court held its regular meeting.

The Road Department reported they had been working on mowing in the county. They have been paving flex roads in the county. Road Supervisor Joe Montgomery had been out searching for roads that needed patch repairs, measuring how much was needed, and comparing how much the department was able to complete. Montgomery submitted bids for snowplows and salt spreaders to the Fiscal Court. Montgomery said it will be December before he can get parts for the mower/trimmer to be repaired. He is pushing the company to send them sooner and is looking for different suppliers for the parts. Montgomery asked about flex roads, if they are bid out next year, how would it work? He has to turn in reports, and for those who do the repairs, the prices change often with one vendor but not the other.

The EM Directors’ report stated there had been 85 runs since the last meeting.

The Sheriff’s report was given by Sheriff James Vincent. Vincent reported his department was down two vehicles.

Jailer Todd Vincent reported there are currently 20 inmates in Hart County Jail.

The Parks and Rec. report was given by Director Cody Stewart. Stewart reported 163 kids signed up for Little League Soccer.

In committee reports, TJ Massey reported that the Community Center project is moving forward. The Community Center Project Development discussion for blueprints was held. The blueprints for the Community Center, including the sign, porch, and courthouse steps, are needed to move forward to be able to place out for bid. The Fiscal Court approved this.

New business: the hearing for entertainment purpose will be held on Sept. 22, 2025, at 3:30 pm.

The Fiscal Court passed Ordinance Ec25-22, Rolling Way Speed Limit will be set at 25 mph.

The Fiscal Court acknowledged the BGWC July Animal Shelter Directors’ report.

The Fiscal Court approved Resolution EC25-23, Mediacom Franchise agreement. Mediacom wants to expand to do business in the county.

The Fiscal Court approved county tax rates for 2025, real property will be 12.2, down from 12.6; tangible -19.5, motor vehicle-17.1, inventory-19.5, watercraft-17.1, aircraft-17.1, and bank shares at 20.0. Extension Board 2025 tax rates were set at real property- .018, personal property- .0201, inventory-.0201, aircraft, documented watercraft, and intransient inventory stayed the same.

Approved to purchase for the Sheriff’s department a 2023 Dodge Durango in the amount of $30,000 with 37,000 miles and completely outfitted.

Approved to advertise for bids on Pickle Courts at Chalybeate Park. So far, Judge Lindsey stated that quotes are running up to $93,000.  Just for coating, stripping, and net quotes are around $21,600.

Oak Hill Road was mentioned; it is in the process of being worked through the state to be turned over to the County. Treasurer Tammi Willhite reminded the Magistrates of upcoming deadlines for Flex Road repairs.

The next Fiscal Court Meeting will be Sept. 8, 2025, at 4:00pm in the upstairs courtroom.